The Paparrazi Kid ended a frustrating run of seconds to sluice up in the maiden hurdle for Ruby Walsh, who is now just six behind championship leader Davy Russell, having also plundered the mares' equivalent on Colin McBratney's Toye Native (3/1).

Patrick Mullins did the steering on Immediate Response, which overcame a nine-month lay-off to record a comprehensive 21-length victory on his fencing debut.

Hopes of Cheltenham's big Festival Trials Day meeting defying the elements this weekend have risen ahead of an inspection at 8.0 tomorrow morning. As a proviso, the card could take place on Sunday should the course not be deemed fit to race on Saturday.

Things are not looking as rosy for Doncaster, with Saturday's card, featuring the Sky Bet Chase, hinging on a 2.0 inspection this afternoon.